Cash boosts for groups in community

TWO city community groups have been awarded five-figure cash handouts as part of an awards scheme.

Out of the Blue and Edinburgh Community Food have been awarded £15,000 and £50,000 respectively in banking group Santander’s national Social Enterprise Development Awards.

Established in 1996, Edinburgh Community Food provides cheap healthy food and nutrition advice for young people and elderly residents.

The money will pay for a coldroom and chiller van, enabling the enterprise to expand services to the corporate sector.

Out of the Blue, the culture and arts community organisation based in Leith, runs a training programme for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems to improve their employability.

The award will fund new storage equipment and bicycles, enabling its cafe to add a delivery service.

Graham Silcock, Santander relationship manager, said: “The awards were set up to help social enterprises.

“These two social businesses are great examples of the success that can be achieved whilst making a sound contribution to the environment and the community.”